Common Dog Training Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

While training dogs can help create obedient animals, some people make mistakes that lead to ineffective results. Knowing the common dog training mistakes can help trainers avoid them for better results. At Prime K9, we have the experience and tools to train your furry friend properly. Here are five common dog training mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Starting Dog Training Late

Some people think puppies must be several months old to understand commands and get training. The best time to start training is immediately when they come home with you. If you wait too long, they may pick up bad habits that will be difficult to break. A young pup may not understand advanced commands, but they can be taught the basics like sit, stay, and come. That way, they can learn good habits while still young and carry them through adulthood. If you don't have the time to start early, Prime K9 can help you handle this task.

2. Training Your Dog for Too Long

Dogs have a limited attention span — just like people. Dog training sessions should be around 15 minutes in length. Tiring them too much with long training sessions can make them less interested in learning and may cause frustration. Keep the session short and exciting with verbal praises, treats, and toys. Train as you monitor the animal's attentiveness. If they become distracted, take a break and resume after some time. Learning new things should be a positive experience, not a chore for your furry friend.

3. Being Inconsistent With Training

Dogs learn best when they have a consistent routine. Being inconsistent with your commands or training style will confuse them and make the process ineffective. Do not let a dog jump on you one day and punish them for it the next day. Avoid using different commands for the same action like "down," "get off," and "off." That can confuse them and make it harder for them to understand what you want. Choose one word to use for each command, then stick with it.

4. Repeating Commands

When your dog doesn't obey a command, it can be tempting to keep repeating the same command over and over. This is known as command nagging and does more harm than good. If you keep repeating the command, they may think it's no big deal to ignore it and become comfortable with not listening. They may also believe they are supposed to obey when you repeat the word four or five times. Give a single command and wait for them to obey. If they don't, go back a few steps and slowly re-introduce the instruction.

5. Yelling or Disciplining Harshly

Dogs don't understand human language, and yelling at them just makes them scared. To get the best out of dog training, use positive reinforcement. That means rewarding good behavior with treats and verbal praise. Negative reinforcement like scolding and physical punishment will only create an environment of fear. You must establish yourself as a leader in your dog's life, but you can do that without scolding or physical punishment. Be patient and have realistic expectations to avoid getting frustrated.

Choose Prime K9 for Quality Dog Training Services

Avoiding these mistakes can help make dog training sessions more effective and enjoyable for you and your animal. At Prime K9, we understand that training dogs can be challenging and time-consuming. We offer professional training services to help your pup learn good habits, obedience, and socialization. Browse our programs to determine which package suits your needs. Contact us today for any questions.